In the late 1980s, I was beginning a low-cost journey to the European continent with a travel partner. Since my friend was exploring starting a postgraduate program in New York, we had arranged a fortnight visit there before heading to London.
We arrived at the graduate housing, a large multi-story edifice on the Manhattan's Upper West Side called International House. After dropping our bags, we headed straight to the dining hall, where we grabbed food, found a table, and began chatting with fellow residents.
Sitting next to me was an individual of Iraqi origin studying engineering at Columbia University. He asked me what I did, and I shared that I had newly finished with a degree in science and had been working on studies with electron microscopy.
He pointed out that there was an microscopy facility at the institution – right next door to the school of engineering, which was why he was aware of it. He proposed that I ought to seek a role with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, saying that I was heading off to Europe and, even more importantly, I did not possess a US visa.
The next day I went out exploring, coming back to the dining hall that night. The Iraqi student came up to me and informed me that he had set up a meeting for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Given that he had gone to the trouble, I attended the interview – but straight off told my host that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.
Reflecting the city's spirit – a city where opportunities abound – she declared: “That can be arranged. When can you start?” I missed my plane to London.
I was employed there for three years. An advantage of the role was that I got complimentary education at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to earn a master’s of international affairs.
I lost touch with him and I am unaware of his name, but his incredible act of kindness transformed my future in numerous aspects. I didn't possess the courage or self-assurance to approach someone at an elite institution and request employment. And, I had consistently hoped to pursue education overseas, but could never have afforded it without that free tuition.
What's more, that gig at Columbia paved the way for a role in Europe where I encountered my handsome spouse from France, with whom I currently share four wonderful sons and daughters. It was a total sliding doors moment. That benevolent individual changed my trajectory in life, and I’m eternally thankful.
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